US Safety Commission Issues Warning on Fidget Spinner Safety Hazards

In May, a 10-year-old girl was forced to have a piece of one fidget spinner surgically removed from her throat after choking on it. But apart from the typical warnings about choking hazards, battery-powered versions have also been found to melt and catch fire.

A summary warning from Acting Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Ann Marie Buerkle advised both “fidget spinner users” and “potential buyers” to take appropriate precautions. Namely, to keep them from small children, as “the plastic and metal spinners can break and release small pieces that can be a choking hazard.”

Regarding reports of the toys going in up literal flames, Buerkle said that “consumers should be present and pay attention to their devices while charging them,” as well as warning that their respective charging cables are “NOT interchangeable.” Previously the same organization warned against fidget spinners with bluetooth-connected speakers, which in some cases caught on fire.